Top 'Identity Thief' sleuth: Don't be like Jason Bateman

February 8, 2013

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - One of the
nation's top cybersecurity experts says the new movie "Identity
Thief" may be funny, but protecting your identity from theft doesn't have
to be so difficult or dangerous.

Marcus Rogers, a former Canadian police officer and now
professor at Purdue University's Center for Education and Research in
Information Assurance and Security, helps police around the world track down
cybercriminals, including identity thieves. An identity is stolen every 60
seconds, making it the fastest growing nonviolent crime in the United States.

But Rogers says there are simple steps to take from
becoming a victim like Jason Bateman's fictional character "Sandy
Patterson": use unpredictable passwords, secure personal information from
roommates, don't give out personal info electronically unless you solicited the
contact and shred any trash that has personal information on it.

Rogers says it's wise to check billing statements for
purchases you did not make and occasionally check credit reports for unexpected
inquiries of your credit report. Also be on the lookout for incorrect billing
addresses and judgments, liens or foreclosures of which you had no prior
knowledge.

If you suspect you are a victim, be smarter than Bateman's
character - notify the fraud departments of all three credit agencies, close
all suspect accounts, and file a report with your local police and with police
where you believe the crime occurred. You should also notify any government
agencies such as the Social Security Administration and bureau of motor
vehicles that have issued you identification documents. And leave the
investigating - and particularly the apprehension - to police.

"I doubt any real police officer would suggest you
travel cross-country to snoop out a criminal and attempt to haul them back to
justice yourself. Criminals are often even more dangerous than actress Melissa
McCarthy," Rogers says.

Rogers also urges not resorting to fraudulent activities
as Bateman does when his character's compromised identity leaves him penniless.

"You're probably not as clever as real identity
thieves, and real police are far more competent than those in a Hollywood
comedy," Rogers says.